Mangaluru: The Department of General Medicine, Father Muller Medical College (FMMC), organised a one-day Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme titled ‘FMMC Hemocon 2026’ on February 14, bringing together around 275 delegates from across Karnataka and neighbouring regions. The conference centred on the theme ‘Practical Haematology – Integrating Science with Clinical Care’, aiming to update clinicians on evolving medical guidelines and evidence-based practice.
Focus on applied clinical haematology
The scientific sessions commenced with Dr Rajesh Krishna delivering a lecture on “Drug-induced cytopenias and their management,” highlighting common causative agents and structured management protocols. This was followed by Dr Prashantha B., who spoke on “A clinical and diagnostic approach to polycythaemia,” emphasising systematic evaluation and differentiation between primary and secondary causes.
The sessions set the tone for a day dedicated to translating scientific knowledge into practical clinical decision-making.
Inaugural ceremony and dignitaries
The inaugural ceremony was conducted in the presence of distinguished guests and faculty members. The dignitaries were escorted to the dais by Dr Smitha Bhat, Organising Chairperson and Head of the Department of Medicine; Dr Jeffrey Lewis, Organising Secretary; and Dr Roshan M., Convener and Former Head of the Department of Medicine.
Among those present were Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director, Father Muller Charitable Institutions; Rev. Fr. Dr Michael Santhumayor, Administrator, FMMC; and Dr Antony Sylvan Dsouza, Dean, FMMC. The Chief Guest for the occasion was Dr Chakrapani M., Professor of Medicine and Medical Superintendent, KMC Attavar, Mangaluru, while Dr B. Sadananda Naik, Senior Physician from Alva’s Health Centre, Moodbidri, was the Guest of Honour.
Dr Smitha Bhat welcomed the gathering, following which the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and prayer song were held. Dr Roshan M. introduced the Chief Guest. In his keynote address, Dr Chakrapani M. underscored the importance of rational blood product usage and updated clinical protocols. Dr B. Sadananda Naik also addressed the delegates, sharing insights from his extensive clinical experience.
In his presidential address, Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo highlighted the academic initiatives of the Department of Medicine and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to fostering continued medical education and professional development. The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Jeffrey Lewis.
Clinical sessions and academic engagement
The post-inaugural scientific sessions resumed with Dr Chakrapani M. delivering a lecture on “Blood products and their rational and timely use.” Dr Akshatha Nayak U. followed with a presentation on “Peripheral smears – What a physician should focus on,” emphasising the diagnostic value of meticulous slide examination.
Faculty members from medical colleges in Mangaluru and Manipal moderated the sessions, facilitating interactive discussions and clarifications.
E-poster presentations by undergraduate and postgraduate students of Medicine were also conducted, encouraging academic research and scholarly exchange.
The post-lunch session featured clinical case presentations by postgraduate students from Father Muller Medical College, KMC Mangaluru, and KMC Manipal. These cases were moderated by specialists and faculty from the Departments of Medicine, Pulmonology, Cardiology, and Neurology.
The case-based discussions proved beneficial in refining clinical history-taking and examination skills among postgraduate trainees, fostering critical thinking and multidisciplinary collaboration.
Quiz and CME accreditation
The CME concluded with an engaging quiz session organised by Dr Nithin Yashas Murthy, Medical Oncologist, Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru. The quiz received an enthusiastic response from delegates, adding a competitive and interactive dimension to the academic event.
Prizes for winners of the quiz and E-poster presentations were distributed by eminent physicians from Mangaluru.
The CME was recognised by the Karnataka Medical Council, and participating delegates were awarded two credit points for attendance. Feedback from attendees and faculty members was overwhelmingly positive, with many appreciating the structured sessions, practical relevance, and smooth organisation of the programme.
FMMC Hemocon 2026 thus reaffirmed Father Muller Medical College’s commitment to advancing medical knowledge and strengthening clinical competence through focused academic initiatives.
